5 insider tips on how to keep your bike safe in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a cyclist's paradise, as evidenced by the fact that there are over 23 million bikes in a country of 17 million people. But this enthusiasm for bicycles comes with a major downside: the Netherlands has one of the highest bike theft rates in Europe, with approximately 466.000 bikes stolen annually according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). That's almost one bike stolen every minute.

No matter who you are or where in the Netherlands you live, protecting your bike should be a top priority. Here are five essential things you need to know to keep your wheels safe.

1. Choose the right locks (and use more than one!)

The golden rule of bike security: never rely on just one lock. Bike thieves tend to only know their way around a specific lock type, so using two different kinds makes their job much harder. A good option is to combine a sturdy U-lock with a chain lock, or use the popular Dutch method of pairing a built-in frame lock (ring lock) with an additional chain. Don't rely solely on cable locks, as they are too easy to cut, or just lock a wheel, as thieves might just take the rest of your bike.

Not all locks are created equal, either. Some definitely put up more resistance to thieves than others. When buying your bike lock, look out for ART certification (Stichting ART). This is a Dutch foundation that tests locks for theft resistance, so when it has the ART seal of approval, you know you're getting quality protection.

A locked bike is only as strong as its weakest part, so remember to pay attention to what you are locking it to. Always lock through your bike's frame, not just a wheel, and secure it to a fixed object like a bike rack, lamppost, or fence. In order to receive coverage on bike theft, your insurer might require you to use at least two locks.

2. Location, location, location

Where you park your bike is just as important as how you lock it. When securing your bike, keep these tips in mind to keep it as safe as possible.

• Use official bike storage: Take advantage of supervised bicycle parking facilities, especially at train stations. Many even offer free parking for the first 24 hours.
• Store indoors when possible: Your safest bet is always a secure, private area like a garage, shed or communal bike storage.
• Stay visible: If you have to leave it on the street somewhere, park in well-lit, busy areas with regular foot traffic. The more eyes on your bike, the less likely thieves are to steal it.

3. Use tech to stay ahead

Modern bike protection goes well beyond traditional locks. There are plenty of smart security options out there now, for a range of prices. GPS trackers and alarms can help locate a stolen bike or scare off potential thieves, while you can also register your bike’s unique frame number with services like BIKEBAZE, which helps police track stolen bikes.

If the worst does happen, it's best to be prepared, so make sure you have pictures, receipts, and other important information about your bike easily accessible on your phone, in case you need to file an insurance claim.

4. Make sure you have adequate coverage

Here's where many cyclists make a costly mistake: assuming their basic insurance covers bike theft, or underestimating their bike's value. Home contents policies often have limited bike coverage, unless it's a specialist insurer. Ensure your policy covers your bike for its full value and for the intended use. There's no point paying for insurance on a policy that will never pay out because you chain your bike on the street overnight instead of in your house.

High-end bikes, e-bikes, and cargo bikes can be expensive to replace, so you also need to check the amount your policy covers you for, and also whether coverage includes accessories like lights, GPS units, and child seats.

Contents insurance in the Netherlands can provide comprehensive protection for your bike and accessories, both at home and when you're out and about, but don't simply assume that yours does.

Ready to protect your bike? Get a Lemonade contents insurance quote in 90 seconds

5. Know what to do if your bike gets stolen

Despite your best efforts, bike theft can still happen. Acting quickly increases your chances of recovery and ensures you can file an insurance claim successfully.
The immediate steps that you need to take are:

1. Check the bike depot first: Your bike might have been improperly parked and taken to the municipal bike depot. Check verlorenofgevonden.nl to see if it's there
2. Report to the police: File a report digitally with the Dutch police. This adds your bike to the national register, which police and bike shops regularly check when processing found or second-hand bikes and gives you a police report number that you need for your insurer.
3. File your insurance claim: If you have contents insurance, contact your provider immediately with the police report number and as much information about the bike and the circumstances around its theft as you can.

The sooner you complete all three steps, the better your chances of either recovering your bike or getting compensated quickly to replace it.